The validity of Senator Abdul Ningi’s claim that over N53 billion worth of projects in the 2024 Appropriations Act lack specific locations has been confirmed by a check.
Ningi, representing Bauchi Central Senatorial District, had accused the Senate leadership of fraudulently inserting projects into the 2024 budget. He disclosed that experts he engaged found several projects without specified locations.
A review of the budget document and the differences between the proposed and passed budgets supports Ningi’s claim. Consultants identified 36 projects worth N53 billion with no specific locations assigned to them.
The 2024 budget, initially presented at N27.5 trillion by President Bola Tinubu, was swiftly passed by lawmakers with a N1.2 trillion increase, totaling N28.7 trillion. Critics argue that this rushed process led to oversight lapses.
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Ningi’s suspension followed his refusal to retract his claims during a Senate session. His allegations have brought attention to longstanding issues such as budget padding and the execution of constituency projects.
While lawmakers are entitled to allocate funds for constituency projects, implementation has often been marred by corruption. The insertion of non-essential projects into the budget has led to tensions between the legislature and the executive in the past.
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President Tinubu, while presenting the budget, urged lawmakers to include projects of “equitable spread” and within sectorial mandates. However, the executive did not raise objections to the increased budget for the National Assembly.
The lack of specific locations for projects and the broader issue of budget discrepancies highlight the need for greater transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s budgeting process.
